Basically, schools create various formulas that convert GPA and LSAT into a single number that they then use to compare applicants. These formulas (aka the law school indexes) are written as a formula as follows:

A x (LSAT) + B x (GPA) + C

A is a constant that is used to weigh how important schools view the LSAT.

B is a constant used to adjust for how much schools value GPA

C is some constant used to establish a minimum score (supposing you have a 120 LSAT and a 0.0 GPA, my guess is)

Basically, schools create various formulas that convert GPA and LSAT into a single number that they then use to compare applicants. These formulas (aka the law school indexes) are written as a formula as follows:

A x (LSAT) + B x (GPA) + C

A is a constant that is used to weigh how important schools view the LSAT.

B is a constant used to adjust for how much schools value GPA

C is some constant used to establish a minimum score (supposing you have a 120 LSAT and a 0.0 GPA, my guess is)

gotcha. I noticed though that a lot of the index numbers vary for people that get in, just for example say:

2.9 index got in to a school, but a guy with a 3.4 didn't. That's what I dont understand about it.

Basically, schools create various formulas that convert GPA and LSAT into a single number that they then use to compare applicants. These formulas (aka the law school indexes) are written as a formula as follows:

A x (LSAT) + B x (GPA) + C

A is a constant that is used to weigh how important schools view the LSAT.

B is a constant used to adjust for how much schools value GPA

C is some constant used to establish a minimum score (supposing you have a 120 LSAT and a 0.0 GPA, my guess is)

gotcha. I noticed though that a lot of the index numbers vary for people that get in, just for example say:

2.9 index got in to a school, but a guy with a 3.4 didn't. That's what I dont understand about it.

Lower index applicants are ones who have lower GPA/LSAT numbers. So, if a student has other remarkable achievements or soft factors, the index will become less meaningful (because it's just an indicator of LSAT and GPA).

With that said, high index numbers tend to be closer to auto-admits.

Admittedly, unless you are familiar with each school's index number, it's somewhat hard to tell what they mean. Each school has an individual formula, so the formula used by GULC can't be compared to BU's, for example.